RNLI Lifeguards start patrols on East Yorkshire beaches for the summer

Lifeguards News Release

Tuesday 25 June 2019

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lifeguards will be patrolling the beaches along the East Yorkshire Coast on a daily basis from Saturday 29 June. The Charity’s Lifeguards will be at their posts from 10am to 6pm and the daily service will operate until Sunday 1 September.

RNLI Lifeguards will be patrolling the following beaches seven days a week starting from this weekend: Belvedere, Bridlington North, Bridlington South and Limekiln lane, Withernsea and Hornsea beaches.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and leisure at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said : 'I am absolutely delighted that the council is able to contribute financially to support this vital service for our beaches during the summer months. The RNLI Lifeguards are a reassuring presence for residents and visitors alike and help to encourage people to enjoy and stay safe on our amazing coastline.'

95% of the role is preventative and the Lifeguards have been working hard to complete vital training. They are looking forward to returning to the beaches to assist beachgoers and offer safety advice about entering the water.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Alex Richardson said: ‘Following a stringent training programme our charity’s lifeguards are in peak condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts. Whatever the weather, we’ll be there to offer friendly safety advice such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and provide information on tide times.

‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us.’

For more information on how to stay safe on the coast this summer please visit rnli.org.uk

Notes to editors

As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.

Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.